Threadripper 9995WX: Custom IHS Waterblock Build!

The pursuit of extreme performance is pushing cooling technology to its absolute limits. A modder, Geekerwan, has achieved an astonishing feat: maintaining a 96-core AMD Threadripper Pro 9995WX CPU at a sustained 5.325GHz overclock – while keeping temperatures below 52°C – by essentially turning the CPU’s integrated heat spreader (IHS) into a custom waterblock connected to a sub-zero chiller. This isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s a glimpse into the future of high-end computing and data center cooling.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX is already a beast of a processor, designed for professional workloads demanding massive core counts. Its default TDP of 350W belies its true potential – it can easily exceed 800W under heavy load. This mod tackles the fundamental problem with these high-power chips: heat dissipation. Traditional air and even liquid cooling solutions struggle to keep pace, limiting performance. Geekerwan’s approach, inspired by micro-fluidic cooling concepts explored by Microsoft for data centers, represents a significant departure. By machining coolant channels directly into the IHS and routing them to maximize contact with the chiplets, they’ve created a highly efficient heat transfer system.

The setup is, admittedly, extreme. It involves a 140L external reservoir, an 800W industrial chiller, and dual 50W pumps sourced from a Mercedes vehicle. This isn’t a solution for the average user. However, the results – a Cinebench R23 score of 205,000 and impressive scores in Cinebench 2024 and 2026 – demonstrate the potential of this approach. The fact that over 1,340W was being drawn by the CPU alone, yet temperatures remained manageable, is a testament to the effectiveness of the custom cooling loop.

The Forward Look

While this is currently a niche, enthusiast-level modification, it points to several key trends. First, it validates the need for more advanced cooling solutions as processors continue to increase in core count and power density. We’re rapidly approaching a point where traditional cooling methods will become insufficient. Second, it suggests a potential market for specialized waterblocks designed to replace CPU heat spreaders, offering superior thermal performance. Companies like EKWB and Corsair are already leaders in custom liquid cooling; expect to see them explore this space.

The biggest question is whether AMD and Intel will respond by offering CPUs without integrated heat spreaders, allowing for easier implementation of such advanced cooling solutions. It’s unlikely in the short term, given the IHS’s role in protecting the delicate chiplets and providing a mounting surface. However, if demand from the high-end workstation and server markets grows, it’s a possibility. More realistically, we’ll see tighter integration between CPU design and cooling solutions, potentially with dedicated cooling channels built into the CPU itself. This mod isn’t just about a faster clock speed; it’s a preview of the future of processor cooling, driven by the relentless demand for more performance.